ROCK ISLAND AGGRESSOR, PALAU: Frequently Asked Questions

1 . Where in the world is Palau, anyway? The Republic of Palau is 900 miles southwest of Guam & 400 miles south of Yap at the western-most edge of Micronesia. Palau is north of New Guinea & east of the Philippines.

2. What is included in this Palau diving charter? Accommodations aboard the vessel, scuba diving, compressed air tanks, weights & weight belts, airport transfers on day of arrival & departure, meals & snacks, non-alcoholic & local alcoholic beverages are included in the charter rate.

3. How many days is the Palau diving charter & how many dives can I make?A Palau Aggressor II charter is seven days, Sunday afternoon to Sunday morning, with five & one-half days of diving. The boat departs from port on Monday morning around 5:30 a.m. Diving begins Monday morning & ends Saturday afternoon when the Palau Aggressor II returns to port. Most guests make four to five dives a day.

5. When should I arrive in Palau of Micronesia ?We recommend that you arrive in Palau on Sunday. The last flight from the US prior to the vessel's departure departs Honolulu at approximately 1:00 pm on Saturday. Please remember that you will lose one day when you cross the International Date Line.

6. Are there any taxes or fees not included in the charter price?Yes, there are a few. The Palau Government has levied a cruising tax of $XX US per person per week for live-aboards. (Call USDT for numbers). This tax is collected at the end of the week when you settle your tab. Dive taxes are also charged by the local government at $XX US per person, which is good for one month. Each person will get a temporary pass which must be on them when diving from a boat. This fee is also collected at the end of the week when settling your tab. The airport departure tax is $XX US & is paid upon departure. These fees are levied by the Palau Government & are subject to change without notice. They are not included in the charter rate. There is also a nominal USDT tariff per diver.

7. Do I need a passport for this Palau diving trip?U.S. citizens are required to have a passport. Non-U.S. citizens should check with the appropriate consulate.

8. How do I meet the Rock Island Aggressor & the Palau Aggressor II on the day of departure?If you arrive anytime on Sunday, a uniformed crew member will meet you at the airport. If you arrive Sunday a.m., the crew will transport you to the Palau Pacific Resort (PPR) where you can get a day room with pool & beach privileges for a fee. A member of the crew will then return to the PPR at 4:30 p.m. & drive you to the vessel for boarding. If you arrive on Sunday evening, you will be met at the airport & taken directly to the vessel. If you arrive prior to Sunday, you will need to hire a taxi to transfer you to your hotel, where we will pick you up at 4:30 p.m. Sunday afternoon.9. Where does the Rock Island Aggressor II dock? The Palau Aggressor II docks at the "M" dock on Koror Island in Palau.

10. What is unique about Palau scuba diving charters?Palau's waters are considered the #1 Underwater Wonder of the World. Its rich, pristine marine environment is famous for its drop-offs, currents & pelagic activity. Palau's protected inner reefs offer an abundant, extensive variety of marine life. Most dives are drift dives.

11. What is the water temperature? Will I need a wet suit for Palau diving?The water temperature averages between 82 to 85F year round. A thin wet suit (1/8" maximum) or lycra suit (Darlex or Polartec) is recommended, however, as divers often make four or more dives a day & can develop a chill. The visibility ranges from 60 to 100 feet. On the outer reefs & walls, visibility usually exceeds 100 feet.12. Is there dinghy diving on the Rock Island Aggressor? Yes, most dives are made from the 30-foot skiff due to the currents at most dive sites.13. Is there night diving on the Rock Island Aggressor? Yes, night dives are offered every night from the Palau Aggressor II.

14. When is the rainy season, & what's the ideal season for Palau diving? The wet season is between May & September. February to April is considered the dry season, but typically it rains about one day each week.

15. What type of topography can I expect to see in Palau?Palau is a chain of more 300 lush, tropical islands. This remote, idyllic paradise features white sand beaches & dense jungle & of course the famous Jellyfish Lake.

16. What is planned Saturday afternoon & evening after we return to port?This is your opportunity to shop, sight-see or visit the Palau Ethnic Center. The crew of the Palau Aggressor hosts a cocktail party Saturday evening. Dinner is not served on board. This is the only meal not included in the charter. The crew can recommend a local restaurant & arrange transportation.

17. When is check-out time for the Rock Island Aggressor? Check out is between 7:00 & 8:00 a.m. on Sunday. The crew will transport you to the airport or your hotel after a full & satisfying scuba diving cruise you will remember for a lifetime.

18. Where is the nearest recompression chamber in Palau?Palau has a new two-man recompression chamber right there in Koror, the main island. But you will never need to use it, because you are going to be super CAREFUL, right?! Right on. Glad we are all on the same boat here when it comes to Palau diving safety!